Zachary Shines

Volume 7 No. 2
www.nssainfo.org
Winter 2012
Zachary Shines
To quote an inspirational poem from an
author unknown:
“Some people see a closed door and turn away.
Others see a closed door, try the knob, if it doesn’t
open… they turn away. Still others see a closed
door, try the knob, if it doesn’t open, they find a key,
if the key doesn’t fit, they turn away. A rare few see
a closed door, try the knob, if it doesn’t open they
find a key, if the key doesn’t fit… They make one.”
Nassau Suffolk
Services
for
Autism created the
key that opened the
door for our son
Zachary.
When he was
four years old,
Zachary was diagnosed with Autism.
We began the
process of visiting
various doctors,
attending many
seminars and reading just about
everything we
could get our
hands on so that
we would be able
to understand this
diagnosis and know
what we needed
to do for our child.
Zachary attended Public School and was
enrolled in a self contained special education
classroom. In third grade Zachary encountered
many obstacles within his classroom. At a crucial
time in our lives when many people did not quite
know how to deal with autistic children, Nassau
Suffolk Services for Autism stepped in and not
only helped Zachary but just as importantly, this
organization educated the people around him.
The most important thing that NSSA’s
Executive Director Nicole Weidenbaum did was
believe in our son and all he could accomplish.
Through NSSA’s Consultation Services Program,
Zachary has been an integral part of his education
and has thrived in his school setting. With educators
such as Nicole Weidenbaum, Bonnie Eisert,
NSSA’s Consultation
Services
Coordinator, and
their wonderful
trained
staff,
Zachary
has
moved from self
contained classes
to honor classes.
The Consultation
Program
has
enabled him to
succeed in so
many ways, from
doing well in
class, to making
friends,
and
participating in
school activities
and functions.
Just
last
year, Zachary
ran for President
of his Freshman Class.
NSSA’s Consultation Program has truly
created a key to opening a door to so many
opportunities for our child. We would like to
thank the many wonderful staff members who
have helped Zachary to attain many successes far
beyond our expectations.
Maxine, Scott, Alexa, and Zachary. ■
A New Student at
The Martin C. Barell School
BOArd Of dIrEcTOrS
The Martin C. Barell
School welcomed Kevin as
the newest member of its
student body. At the start of
the Summer Session Kevin
was enrolled with our very
best wishes for his success in
our program. ■
lARRY CERiEllo, ESq.
President
BRAM WEBER, ESq.
Vice President
AllEN S. PERl
Treasurer
GERARd WEldoN
Secretary
WilliAM J. AKlEY, P.E.
Director
GAYlE FREMEd
Director
JoSEPH KEENAN, ESq.
Director
dAVid STollWERK
Director
Please visit us at: www.facebook.com/NSSA
Mazel Tov Ben!
Ben Landau celebrated his Bar
Mitzvah with a donation to NSSA.
The thirteen year old eighth grader
purchased a 32” flat screen TV with
DVD player, Exercise Balls, and Dry
Erase Boards for the students at
the Martin C. Barell School.
We could not be more proud to
count Ben among NSSA’s supporters.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank
him for his kindness and generosity
to our students and organization. ■
Nassau Suffolk
Services for Autism
The Martin C. Barell School
80 Hauppauge Road
Commack, NY 11725
Phone: (631) 462-0386
Fax: (631) 462-4201
Email: office@nssa.net
Web: www.nssainfo.org
NiColE WEidENBAuM, M.S.Ed., SAS
Executive Director
KATHY MANNioN
Associate Executive Director
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Volume 7 No. 2
Ben Landau visits NSSA
MISSION STATEMENT
Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) offers hope to people with autism and their
families by providing high quality life-long support through services which enable people
with autism to function better in everyday life.
NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of people
with autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatment
models which can be adopted nationally.
www.nssainfo.org
NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
Summer Camp
This June marked the fifth and glorious anniversary
of NSSA’s Summer Camp. The weeklong day camp,
under the direction of Supervising Clinical Coordinator,
Stacey Agosta, is attended by thirty-six campers who
are selected by lottery from a list of children enrolled
in or on waiting lists for NSSA programs or Suffolk
Y-JCC programs for children on the spectrum.
Summer Camp was designed as a way to offer
children with autism a way to stay active and engaged
while school is closed and few structured activities
are available. With staffing primarily composed
of highly trained NSSA teachers, Camp has grown to
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
become a joyful week packed with a rich assortment
of summer entertainments that build social and
recreational skill development. Camp field trips
are more than just outings; they are opportunities
for campers to participate and be involved in the
community. This summer campers enjoyed trips to
Kzam, bowling, the Holtsville Ecology Center, and
Chuck E. Cheese.
The week flew by as campers played outdoors, swam,
and created memorable arts and craft projects. The photos
attest to what we already know- a great time was had
by all. ■
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Volume 7 No. 2
Page 3
The Assistive Technology Program
Extends NSSA’s Reach
Communicating… reading… writing… controlling tioning our bodies in certain ways. Assistive technology
our environment… these are all skills we use every day. allows someone who has difficulty with one or all
How much thought do you give when you ask someone of these things to communicate the same message
through a different medium.
to “pass the salt”, or use a search enOur Assistive Technology Program
gine, or stop at a stop sign. Each one
is one more way NSSA provides
is probably pretty automatic. We may
services to our community. For
know WHY we are doing these things,
example, many of NSSA’s students
but we don’t really consider HOW we
and clients aren’t able to use their
do them or all the processes that occur
natural speech for communication but
in order to do them. Pass the salt.
can use augmentative/alternative
Three little words, nine little sounds,
communication (AAC) systems to
approximately 630 separate neural
request people, places and things, tell
impulses activating about 70 different
others what to do and make it very
muscles for each sound. It is so much
clear when it is time to STOP! The
more than three little words. We are
NSSA Assistive Technology Program
well aware that these things aren’t
is designed to find technology
quite so effortless for everyone. We
solutions to address the learning and
see how difficult it is for many people
communication needs of individuals
with autism to do things like this.
However, even though someone with Brian uses his ipod to communicate with autism spectrum disorder and
other disabilities that affect the
autism may not do things
EXACTLY like us, we have many tools available to development of communication, reading and writing.
allow them to do these things in another appropriate, This allows us to increase participation in academic,
universally understood way. These tools are called as- leisure and social activities and ultimately improve the
quality of life for each of our learners.
sistive technology.
At NSSA, we believe that everyone communicates
“The term assistive technology means any item, piece
of equipment, or product system, whether acquired com- and everyone can learn to communicate effectively. The
mercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is foundation of the Assistive Technology Program is
used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional to teach instructors the fundamentals of language
capabilities of an individual with a disability.”–I.D.E.A development and function while understanding that this
is the most complex skill anyone develops. Our
(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Language and communication are functional Assistive Technology program serves the students of the
capabilities. We need these skills to get things we need Martin C. Barell School, the clients in the NSSA Adult
or want, to tell people what to do, or to let others know Services Program as well as individuals throughout
that we don’t like something (among a host of many Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester County.
Michael J. Cunningham, the Coordinator of the
other functions). We communicate all day by speaking,
writing, reading, making facial expressions, and posi- Assistive Technology Program, evaluates each student/
Anna uses her AAC device, the Vantage Lite, to let us know when she is going to go play on the computer
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Volume 7 No. 2
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NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
client’s reading, writing and communication skills and
needs. His evaluations include all members of the educational team, related service providers, family members
and most importantly the user him/herself. The result
is not only a recommendation for a tool or system but a
structured means of training all members of the team to
develop their skills and effectively integrate the system
to meet the needs of the assistive technology user.
For further information, including fee structure and
scheduling, please contact NSSA at 631-462-0386. ■
Nathan requests a video
Ryan makes a choice
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
www.nssainfo.org
Volume 7 No. 2
Page 5
Three New Vocational Training Sites for NSSA
This summer NSSA added three exceptional sites to
its vocational training roster. Angelica Farms, ShopRite,
and Spectrum designs have opened their doors to
diverse and enriching opportunities for NSSA’s students
and adult clients.
With the opening of a new ShopRite in Commack
came the opportunity to develop vocational skills at the
opposite end of the food chain. At the supermarket
NSSA students are learning to greet customers, bag
orders appropriately (eggs separately, cans on bottom,
crushables on top), maintain required dress code, and
thank the customer at the end of the order.
located in Commack, Angelica Farms is a small
urban farm under the direction of Rich league and Patti
Whitaker. The couple teaches the fundamentals of farm
life, horticulture and animal care to individuals with
autism and other neurological challenges. From soil
preparation and every step of the way to harvesting
crops, our students and clients are gaining agricultural
skills. They feed chickens and collect eggs. They helped
to prepare a Hoop House, a type of greenhouse, which
will extend the growing season. Angelica Farms sells
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares; and
the NSSA participants help to prepare the CSA bushels.
You can closely follow the farm activities by visiting
their Facebook page at 7AngelicaFarms.
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Volume 7 No. 2
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NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
Spectrum designs was
founded by Stella Spanakos,
Nicole Sugrue, and Patrick
Bardsley earlier this year in Port
Washington. The non-profit
foundation creates custom made
decorated clothing, accessories,
and a full line of special event
favors for the unique purpose of
demonstrating the abilities and
employability of individuals
with autism to the general
public. At Spectrum designs
clients in NSSA’s Adult Services Program are learning
the steps to creating a custom tee shirt. From sorting,
folding, and pressing the shirts to printing, boxing,
tagging, and counting for inventory- each step in the
process is another victory in vocational development.
Visit their website: spectrumdesigns.org to learn more
about this foundation.
NSSA thanks Angelica Farms, ShopRite, and
Spectrum designs for making vocational opportunities
available to our students and clients. our students and
clients work quietly and productively under the
supervision of our highly skilled staff. if your business
has vocational opportunities to offer, please contact
Jacquie Frangoulis, NSSA’s Transition Coordinator at
631-462-0386 or jboily@nssa.net. ■
Why not consider adding your business to these NSSA Vocational sites:
Angelica farms
Geico
ruby Tuesday
Suffolk Y-Jcc
Applebee’s
Gurwin Nursing and
rehabilitation center
Shoprite
TJ Maxx
Hospice care Network
Spectrum designs
Temple Beth david
cinema Arts
centre, Huntington
Please contact NSSA’s Transition Coordinator Jacquie Frangoulis at 631-462-0386
or jboily@nssa.net to add your business to our diverse group of supporters.
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
www.nssainfo.org
Volume 7 No. 2
Page 7
Casino Night
On August 11 NSSA’s 8 Annual Casino Night
brought out a happy crowd that enjoyed a delicious
barbecue dinner and a great selection of casino
games in the relaxed and beautiful surroundings of
The Swan Club.
Our very generous sponsors ensure the success of
the evening. For their support we thank: Blackjack
Sponsor: Gayle and David Fremed; Roulette
Sponsor- Furey, Furey, Leverage, Manzione,
Williams, & Darlington; Money Wheel Sponsors Lancer Insurance Co.; The Hein Family; The Liggio
th
Ron and Carin Sanders
at the tables
th
Family; and The Wigdor Family.
We thank Michael Djani and the Swan Club staff
for their fine food and service. Thanks, too, to Michael
Possilico and all our friends at Casinos by M & M for
ensuring that our guests had an enjoyable evening.
We are grateful to all of our guests for attending,
to all of our generous prize donors, and for the
volunteers who make it all happen. Thank you one
and all.
Please mark August 9, 2012 on your calendars for our
next Casino Night. ■
NSSA staff play bingo
Sarah and mom Diane Olsen
had a great time
Golf Classic Hits Lucky 13
The weather was a sign of good things to come at
NSSA’s 13th Annual Golf Classic. Sunny and crisp,
perfection by golf standards, the September 26th event
drew golfers from across the tri-state area for a great day
on the links.
As he has each year, Golf Committee Chairman Joe
Longo organized another wonderful outing. This year
over $37,000 was raised for NSSA; and we cannot thank
Joe enough for his tireless efforts on behalf of our
organization.
The Golf Classic is notable for offering entertaining
activities throughout the day. Prizes are awarded to the
Winning and Second Place Foursomes, the Longest
Drive, and Closest to the Pin. A Putting Contest before
the event draws many players and on-lookers. Four holes
offer chances for spectacular Hole In One prizes. And
then there is the food.
Plandome Country Club began the morning with a
delicious breakfast buffet. Barbeque favorites were
grilled to perfection at the halfway house for anyone
who could find the room to partake. The cocktail hour
and dinner buffet capped off a delectable day. Special
thanks to Plandome General Manager Lee Koons for
donating two foursome prizes.
Many thanks to this year’s sponsors: Breakfast
Page 8
Volume 7 No. 2
Long time supporters, The Lee family
Sponsor: Giaquinto Masonry, Inc.; Dinner Sponsors;
Barrasso and Sons, Inc., The Haugland Family
Foundation, Inc., and The Jack Fanning Foundation,
Front Nine and Back Nine Sponsors: Pat and Mary
Beth Miranda; Green Sponsor: United Asset Strategies,
Inc.; and Live Auction Sponsors: Plandome Country
Club and Joe and Donna Longo;
Please be sure to mark July 19, 2012 on your calendar
for next year’s Golf Classic. ■
www.nssainfo.org
NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
Wine Tasting
NSSA’s 13th Annual Wine Tasting turned out to be
a wonderful evening. debuting at a new venue: The
Carltun, East Meadow, the event drew over 320 guests
who sampled from fifty different types of wine and
dined on delicacies specifically paired to the wines.
First and foremost we thank Fedele Miranda and
Empire Merchants, whose donation of all the wines
added so much to the evening’s success. Mr. Miranda
has been the force behind this event since its
inception. We are extraordinarily grateful for his
longstanding and generous support.
Nonprofit organizations
depend
heavily on the support of Sponsors
for the success of
their
special
events; and NSSA
is no exception. For
their outstanding
support of the 13th
Annual
Wine
Tasting we thank:
Event Sponsor- Pat
and Mary Beth
Miranda;
Prize
Raffle
SponsorPat and Mary Beth Miranda
Merry
and
richard Slone; Grand Raffle Sponsor- The cahill
family; Entertainment Sponsors- don camera
company, LLc; charlie and Ann Marie Liggio;
and Signature Bank. Thank you one and all!
From left: Board Members Jerry Weldon and Allen Perl
with Nicole Weidenbaum, Executive Director
Marc Santospirito for the live and Silent Auction Golf
Foursomes. We are very appreciative of Jackie
Higgins, Robert and Kathy Koncelik, Paul and Mary
lettis, Mary Beth Miranda, diane olsen, and Rob and
lisa Walford for their Silent Auction Prize donations.
Two of our exceptional Board Prizes were donated.
For them we thank Brenda Siemer and Sharp
Electronics Corp. for the 40” Sharp Aquos HdTV and
Trish McGarry for donating an iPad 2. We thank the
many friends who donated Raffle and Wheel Prizes.
Thanks to debbie Hart of The Carltun, for
gracefully coordinating this event and to Chef
Rodrigo, who paired dinner entrees with the wine list
with a touch that was nothing short of magical.
Please save Saturday, october 27, 2012 for our next
Wine Tasting. We would love to see you there. ■
Stacey Leo and Bettye Rainwater
The Wine Tasting benefitted from the donation of
many wonderful prizes again this year. Thanks to
Maureen Fanning for the Grand Raffle Prize and to
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
www.nssainfo.org
Marianne Thorsen, Michael Mannion,
and Cortney Thorsen Pattison enjoy the Wine Tasting
Volume 7 No. 2
Page 9
Coffee with a Lot of Perks
The NSSA Coffee Shop is about more than
caffeine. With each cup served, members of the
Adult Service and Consultation Programs gain
opportunities to develop vocational skills and practice
social engagement.
For a half hour each morning NSSA staff members
pop down to the Coffee Shop, where the students and
clients practice the different assignments that are
involved in a transaction. First off they welcome
the customers; and then there is a flavor choice
to be made, determining if a pastry or bagel
will be added to the purchase, tallying the bill, making
payment, and calculating the change. All of
this requires practical math application and social
skills.
For staff The Coffee Shop has proved to be a
delicious way to lead our students and clients to
greater skill acquisition. ■
Andrew takes orders and payment
Jack prepares a bagel
Daniel brews a cup
Page 10
Volume 7 No. 2
Bryan marks a selection
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NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
Mah Jongg- More than a Game
Many thanks to Maxine Wilson and Jill Todd, who organized a Mah Jongg Party to benefit NSSA. The Party
took place August 9th and was attended by 40 players, who
enjoyed a delicious luncheon at Jackson’s, Commack.
A special thanks goes to debra daniels of Bagel
Boss, Roslyn, who donated the Grand Raffle Prize of a
Brunch for 25. We thank the ladies who participated and
all who donated prizes for ensuring the event’s success.
The Mah Jongg Party raised nearly $2,000 for NSSA,
for which we are very appreciative. ■
Family Fun Night
in what has become a customary start of the holiday
season, NSSA held its third annual Family Fun Night at its
headquarters. The potluck turkey dinner with all the sides
is a chance for families and staff to come together and enjoy
a delicious meal and each other’s company.
After dinner Staff added to the enjoyment by arranging
activities for the students and siblings. This year children
made their own play-dough, autumn bouquets, and leaf sun
catchers. once again a wonderful time was had by all. ■
Julia and Joel children of Adult Service Staff member
Michelle Beccari, make play-dough at Family Fun Night
Autism Awareness Night is a Big Hit!
The Long Island Ducks hosted an Autism Awareness Night on August
8th. Many thanks to our friends at Autism Speaks Long Island for
donating tickets for NSSA staff to attend. ■
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
www.nssainfo.org
Volume 7 No. 2
Page 11
Thank you Susan Sachs
Thanks to Walter Siebert
Once a week
Susan
Sachs
comes to NSSA
and donates her
time instructing
a fitness class to
students at The
Martin C. Barell
School.
Her
class focuses on
cardiovascular
and
weight
training;
and
Susan knows
what she is
doing. She is a
co-owner
of
Susan Sachs (on left)
ABSolutely
Fit,
shows Kathryn the ropes
Inc., a gym in
Bellmore that for more than thirteen years
has offered Personal Training and Group
Fitness Classes.
Enriching opportunities of the type Susan
donates to our students are very much
appreciated. Thank you so much Susan! ■
Walter Siebert is one of the unsung heroes of The NSSA
Walk of Fame. The brickwork entrance to NSSA is adorned
with messages of love and support. At least once and more
often twice a year, Walter donates his expertise and installs,
completely free of charge, all of the new bricks that have
been purchased.
Walter supervised the installation of the Walk of Fame and
donated the services of his crew for several days of labor. We
hope you will consider Walter Siebert for your own masonry
needs. He can be reached by calling W. Siebert Contracting
at 631-277-9431. Tell him NSSA sent you. ■
In an all too fleeting world, mark your thoughts with permanence:
BUY A BRICK,
LeAve A LASTInG IMPReSSIon
Commemorative Bricks for nSSA’s
Walk of Fame
are available in two sizes:
4” x 8” @ $100 each
8” x 8” @ $250 each
For further information call
NSSA at 631- 462-0386
NSSA Thanks The Carnival of Love
in July The Carnival of love Foundation donated
15 iPads to the Martin C. Barell School, as part of its
mission to support the health and well-being of
children. This generous gift found its way to NSSA by
fortuitous coincidence.
While working at South East louisiana legal
Services, NSSA sibling and Touro law School
student, Jennifer Raguso, met despina Manoloudas, a
graduate of Touro law and member of The Carnival
of love Foundation. As the two women got to know
each other, the subject of autism and Jennifer’s sister
Michelle arose.
despina decided she wanted to do something this
year to benefit children with autism. looking for
ideas, she approached Jennifer who suggested a
donation of iPads to the Barell School would benefit
many students and could be customized to maximize
their impact.
The Foundation enthusiastically
supported the idea, held a fundraiser, and purchased
the iPads with the proceeds.
despina Manoloudas and dennisia Slabakis of
The Carnival of love Foundation, presented the
iPads on a visit to NSSA. They spent time during
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Volume 7 No. 2
From left: Despina Manoloudas, Michelle Raguso,
foundation member Dennisia Slabakis and
Jennifer Raguso with donated iPads.
their visit to meet students and staff.
NSSA is extremely appreciative of this wonderful
gift and thanks The Carnival of love Foundation for
its generous support.
Please visit www.carnivaloflove.org/about/ to learn
more about this exceptional non-profit organization. ■
www.nssainfo.org
NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
HELP US PAVE THE WAY!
Buy a brick to honor a loved one, commemorate a special event, or simply show the support of a business or friend
and to help support Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism’s Center of Excellence in autism education and treatment.
The bricks adorn the entrance of the headquarters and will be engraved with names or phrases that will serve as
an enduring tribute to all participants and leave a lasting impression for years to come.
Bricks are available in two sizes: 4” x 8” at a cost of $100 per brick and 8” x 8” at $250 a piece. Personalized
messages can be engraved in characters of upper case, lower case, or a mix of both.
To make your purchase, kindly fill in the form below and mail with your check or credit card information to:
Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism
80 Hauppauge Road, Commack, NY 11725
For inquiries call 631-462-0386, or email: Connie Grassle at cgrassle@nssa.net.
Samples:
in Celebration/Support
of our daughter
Maggie Jones
in Memory of
John Smith
Name
The Wilson Family
Proud to Support
NSSA
THE CoRNER BAKERY
Est. 2002
Company Name
Street
City
Home Phone #
State
Work Phone #
I would like to order
Email
4” x 8” tribute bricks @ $100 each or
Enclosed is my check for $
Zip
8” x 8” bricks @ $250 each
(Please make checks payable to NSSA)
Charge my credit card $
(Check one)
Credit Card #
Amex
MasterCard
Visa
Exp. Date
Security Code
Signature
Fill in exactly as you wish your engrave brick to read.
(Please note: Spaces and Punctuation Marks must be included in the character count.)
Fill in 1 character per space: 17 Characters per line for Upper Case, 20 characters per line for lower case.
For an 4” x 8” Brick
For an 8” x 8” Brick
MISSION STATEMENT: Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) offers hope to people with autism and their families by providing high quality life-long
support through services which enable people with autism to function better in everyday life. NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs
for the benefit of people with autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatment models which can be adopted nationally.
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
www.nssainfo.org
Volume 7 No. 2
Page 13
A Happy Holiday Party!
on Friday, december 9th, Smithtown High School
East hosted the Second Annual Holiday Celebration for
NSSA students and clients over the age of 15. Thanks
to the kindness of many volunteers, the party was a
wonderful opportunity to socialize and a happy start to
the holiday season.
From NSSA teaching staff to members of the Smithtown H.S. Student Council and leadership Club, the
volunteers created a joyous evening. Together they
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Volume 7 No. 2
arranged a delicious spread, decked out the gym in
holiday splendor, and spent the evening dancing with
our guests and encouraging them to participate in the
many festive activities.
We can’t thank NSSA instructor Matt Figuccio
enough for his service as the evening’s dJ. As always
Matt brought just the right mix of music to have
everyone up and on the floor. Thank you Matt!
Thank you one and all for a wonderful holiday gift. ■
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NSSA NEWS
Winter 2012
Staff Notes, Announcements, & Congratulations!
Anniversaries
Congratulations to:
• Beth Boyd for her 10 years of service to NSSA
• Cara Pascale, Jen Bulkley, and Michele Beccari
for their 5 years of service
congratulations
• Nicole Ness and Johnathan Chouinard
for their November poster presentation
“The Effects of Peer to Peer interaction
in decreasing Maladaptive Behavior
in a learner with Autism: A Case Study”
at NYSABA (New York State Association
for Behavior Analysis)
• Alissa Cohen, who completed her B.S.
in Social Science from Ashland university
• Shelley ourian for earning her Associates
degree in Early Childhood Education from
Suffolk Community College
Weddings
our very best to:
• Shannon Aguece and Matt Mangione, who were
married June 26
• Melissa Kuddar and Stephen lippolis,
on their october 15 wedding
• Christine dahl and Matt Figuccio on
their october 28 nuptials
Nicole Ness and Johnathan Chouinard at NYSABA
Births
Best wishes to:
• Barbara and Brett Henke on the birth of
Kayla Rose, on June 15
• Rich McKee and his wife, Nicole, on the
July 22 birth of Gavin Joseph
Engagements
We wish the very best to:
• Kelly Monaco and Eric Tsai
• Andrea diFolco and John McNeal
• Amy Nieves and Gregory Michael
• Michael J. Cunningham and Gabriel d’Auria
• laura Hirten and dan delColle
• Beth Boyd and Bobby Socci
News from the Development Office…
To supplement the funds raised through NSSA’s special events, the development office works to secure funding
from foundations, corporations, businesses, and government offices on an on-going basis. The development office
is proud to announce the receipt of the following grants and donations:
december, 2011- The doug flutie, Jr. foundation for Autism announced that NSSA is the recipient of a grant
of $12,000 for its Adult and Vocational Service Programs
december, 2011-Turnaround Management Association donated $1,000
december, 2011-Nassau county AHrc foundation granted $2,000
November, 2011-The Schulz charitable granted $5,000 for general operating support
october, 2011- The Jack fanning Memorial foundation granted $6,760 for the purchase of a Smart Board
August, 2011- New York community Bank foundation granted $5,000 in support of The Green Team Program
August, 2011-Wells fargo granted $3,000 to NSSA for general operating support
July, 2011- The carnival of Love foundation donated 15 iPads to NSSA
June, 2011- Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative donated $6,000 for general operating expenses
May, 2011- The Scott Weingard Memorial foundation donated $25,000 to NSSA
Winter 2012
NSSA NEWS
www.nssainfo.org
Volume 7 No. 2
Page 15
80 Hauppauge Road
Commack, NY 11725
Save These Dates!
Thursday, March 8, 2012 - Huntington Bay dental will host it’s 3rd Annual Wine Tasting
to benefit NSSA at The Watermill, Smithtown
Saturday, March 31, 2012, NSSA celebrates its 20 th Annual Dinner for Our Children
at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury
Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 7:30-10:30pm- A Special Night For Our Special Kids will be held
Adventureland, Rte 110, Farmingdale. (Rain date Thurs. April 12, 7:30 -10:30 pm)
Monday, July 16, 2012- The 14th Annual Golf Classic takes place at
Plandome Country Club
Thursday, August 9, 2012 - NSSA’s 8th Annual Casino Night will take place at The Swan
Club, Glenwood landing
friday, September 14, 2012 6:30-9:30pm- A Special Night For Our Special Kids
will be held Adventureland, Rte 110, Farmingdale (Rain date: Saturday, September 15,
6:30-9:30pm)
Saturday, October 27, 2012, NSSA will host the 14th Annual Wine Tasting and
Auction at The Carltun, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
For information regarding any of our upcoming events please call 631- 462-0386